Are Obama's critics racist? Jimmy Carter thinks so

Former President Jimmy Carter, who has a habit of stirring controversy, said this morning that "an overwhelming portion" of those opposing President Obama's policies are racist.

In an interview with NBC's Brian Williams, Carter lobbed a bomb into Washington politics, already seething with passions over healthcare, federal spending and whether a congressman named Wilson should apologize to the House for screaming "You lie!' to a president.

Here's what Carter said:

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The charge is likely to ignite a firestorm of anger, and could provoke a backlash among those who would oppose Obama's healthcare reform whatever his racial identity. One site calls it evidence of a "failed ex-President making this ignorant, outlandish charge."

Carter, who has been an ex-president for almost 30 years, has done this sort of thing before. The 39th president angered the Clinton White House with his frequent diplomatic freelancing with various dictators around the world.

Of course Carter has been an equal-opportunity thorn to White Houses of both parties, making life difficult for Republican presidents as well as Democrats. Among other things, he called George W. Bush the worst president in history in international relations.

The current bombshell is likely to make life difficult for the Obama White House, which as MSNBC's Chuck Todd noted this morning, will now have to rebut the impression that it played the race card to win votes on healthcare.

Maybe it's not too late for Carter, who turns 85 on Oct. 1, to learn tact.

-- Johanna Neuman

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Comments

[Anthony Scotti]

Worst president of all time?....Hmmmmmm.

[Mike]

Tact is careful consideration in dealing with others to avoid giving offence. Carter seems to have considered his comment carefully. I don't have a problem with it. Politicians that are offended should examine why - they might be surprised by what really is bugging them.

It is interesting the the writer thinks Carter is in need of developing tact. Maybe he should turn his sights on the endless steam of Republican invective of hate, screaming and lies?

I think it about time a politician had the courage to say this.

President Carter served as the 39th President of the United States and was the recipient of the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize. I'm sure he had to be reasonably tactful to achieve these accomplishments.

[Rosee]

Was it racist when they voted Carter out of office?! No...people didn't like his policies.

The American public has the right to protest, disagree with our politicians..whether they be black, white, any race for that matter....and to call them racist when they do so is outrageous!!

There are those out there who make their names and livings by keeping the racist theme alive.

The American public is smarter than that...I think out last election proved that.

[Maureen]

Carter is simply stating the obvious. He demonstrates great courage despite the political spin conservative Republicans will likely voice in defending opinions rooted in racism.

[Stanley Hutchinson]

I think former President Carter is right on. As much as many people HATED George W. Bush. There are those that hate Obama, they can't believe they have a 1/2 black President. and they will use any excuse to oppose him, but IT IS Race/Racism. Even the opposition to his President Obama's healthcare insurance initiative is race motivated. The Right GOP are trying to paint him as Socialist. That's what they said to FDR when he started Social Security. Was that socialism? Because if it was, then this health care insurance is also. But it's GOOD SOCIALISM. How many people want to get rid of Social Security now, after we've had it for almost 70 years. Answer: not many people will answer yes.
Joe Wilson, doesn't want American's to have Healthcare Insurance but his family does and his sons in the military does. It's called "TriCare". What hypocrisy is that? Wilson has healthcare insurance but he doesn't want the rest of Tax paying Americans to have it.
Every other country industrialized nation has healthcare insurance for the citizens EXCEPT the U.S. (Germany, Canada, England, Japan, Spain, France).
The GOP right love to spend money on wars, so Americans can get killed, and kill others, but when it comes to spending money on something as basic need, as healthcare insurance, they'll fight it and let Congressman like Joe Wilson call President Obama a liar. That's the GOP right for you . They are Obama hating idiots, every last one of them. They are not even moderate. They are extreme right wing haters of any health care or social reform for Americans. Yet they claim to be for Americans. Which Americans are they for? Only for the ones who can afford to buy their own Health insurance. (the wealthy /rich ones). Not middle class working Americans, or the newly unemployed with no healthcare.

[Arvin]

I don't care for how these so called journalist are reporting on the commentaries of President Carter. They are not reporting rather they are telling how we should react to Pres. Carter's words. Regardless, President Carter is raising some interesting questions. The hostile nature of the debate on health reform makes me wonder where this anger is coming from. I've never heard such reactions to the Iraq and Afghanistan war. Consequently, in regards to the question of cost of healthcare, these 2 wars would have funded healthcare for every woman, man and child in America and probably including the so called, "illegals."

[Bill Lowe]

I find it interesting that a liberal such as Carter would accuse others who disagree with his president as being racists. Maybe he should be looking inside himself and see what bigotry he holds in his heart before he judges anyone else. Remember, Carter's Babtist church in his home town was accused of being racist. They changed their membership rules to allow blacks in. When the news organizations were no longer watching them, his congregation changed the memebership rules back.

This same group who are accusing opponents of Obama's policies as being racist are the same ones who accused Bill Clinton as being a racist during the primaries. They're crying wolf too many times!!!!!!!

[moderatem]

Of course critics are not racists. No one takes playing the race card seriously anymore.

Just because a man is black doesn't entitle him to a free reign to do and say what he wants without criticism. It's hard to believe this actually made news. My opinion is that Carter was put up to this by someone who is concerned about Obama's popularity rankings.

[Erik S.]

These guys are triviliazing the serious offense that a growing group of hard-core right-wing Republicans are making against the president, the tone of which can only be explained by recognizing that there is a great deal of racial animosity just below the surface in the case of many of these so-called "bad apples." With networks like Fox following every act of the so-called "tea parties" and endless reruns of the outburst of the redneck congressmember from South Carolina (the state the brought us Jesse Helms) it's hardly a fringe group any longer that is seeking to discredit the president and has now crossed over into trying to intimidate him (with guns as if this were a third world country), taking over the town halls meant to allow citizens to discuss his health care initiative) and now having the audacity to interrupt him during a formal address. Kudos to Carter!

[Mary Hamilton]

I think that what Carter said is appalling. Because it's appalling. I don't think it's necessarily untrue.

[tony c.]

Well, Jimmy Carter is a very nice man. He was an idiot as president but he is a very nice man. He is an idiot as ex-president, but he is a very nice man. He is an idiot as a man, but he is a very nice man. He is a very nice man that is a blooming idiot who almost brought the USA down into" never recover land." Nice men are NOT always smart. Listen to Jimmy Carter become an idiot, I hope you are a very nice man.

[andrew nelson]

This is the classic dialectic pattern, for this crowd, with a dose of pop psychology transference.

Paint someone with the racist brush as the symbol of those against healthcare (thesis),

have one side defend him(antithesis),

have the President come in and be the great arbitrator(synthesis) solving racism while getting healthcare.

Only problem is that it was manufactured with the Crowley incident when Health Care was in trouble the first time, and it's manufactured now.

It's not about race, stupid. It's about the intellectual bankruptcy of failed leftist idealogy.

It is the last refuge of a bankrupt policy.

I'm quite sure there would be the same reaction to a Marxist-Leninist Czar (Van Jones) being in the White House, if he was white.

This anger is about a grassroots revolt against failed leftist policy.

[Brittanicus]

As usual the opponents of any kind of restriction on the illegal immigration, is playing the race card? It's a forgone conclusion that the benefactors of promoting a mass invasion of our shores, such as religious groups, unions, ACLU, radical ethnic caucuses and even our own US Chamber of Commerce, will mouth epithets that doesn't benefit big business, that doesn't advocate a continuous force of illegal cheap labor. Now they are really livid because their objection to E-Verify was thrown out of court. Now all federal contractors and subcontractors must adhere to the law. They have conspired against the American worker and people for too long, and now we are fighting back ourselves against corrupt politicians and other elected officials nationwide,

Rep.Joe Wilson was actually telling the truth at the time, and now Democrats have placed restrictive language in the Health care reform package as a reluctant afterthought by public demand. This was nothing to do about bigotry or racism, but the American workers and family survival. None of the business community who hire them wants their labor, but forces the taxpayer to carry the financial load. The US labor force should not have to be in competition, with people from other countries. Businesses have already offshore American jobs, because it's cheaper? So every illegal foreign national and family member should be exempt from government run health care, jobs and all the billions of taxpayer dollars secretly allocated to pay for their support. Twenty million plus illegal people compromised themselves, when they entered a sovereign nation without permission. Find out the truth at NUMBERSUSA, JUDICIAL WATCH and contact your politician at 202-224-3121 demanding no weakening conditions to E-Verify or any other law authored by Congress.

[greg]

As an outsider watching the situation in the USA, I have had the sense that at least some of the incredibly angry attacks I have read about are quite possibly the result of racism. This is not just coming from individuals but from certain elements of the media who are stirring up this hatred and from some opposing politicians. I understand your country is going through a difficult time but a fair bit of the fault for it lies with the previous administration. I would want to give the Democrats more time to try to straighten things out before trying to crucify them if I were living in your otherwise great country. The arguments quite often being raised by the opposing forces seem largely without foundation and are merely propaganda designed to move the poorly informed (intentionally so it seems in many cases) to rally against whatever they are told. The situation is becoming more and more like that in parts of the third world, masses of people in the streets protesting against whatever their leaders tell them, whether it is true or not. I am sure your enemies are watching gleefully, but I am watching with a sense of sorrow and apprehension of what your future might be.

[JOSE]

NOT TRUE

[CliffDogg]

Opponents have called him terrorist, "not like us," socialist, fascist, communist, Kenyan, Muslim, nazi, etc. before he even got into office. But they don't even know the difference between a socialist, communist or fascist. They protest his socialist policies, which are simply continuation of Bush policies, but did not protest Bush. They "want their country back." They carry racists signs.

It looks to me like they didn't like him to begin with because of race, and simply latch on to any talk-radio phrase they hear to justify their feelings.

[Kevin Williams]

When I was in the Navy at the time ex president carter was in office he did nothing valuable then and his ranting does nothing useful now.

[Jon Adler]

The racist one in this incident is actually Jimmy Carter. He doesn't seem to think a black man -- a black man in his forties with degrees from Columbia and Harvard -- is capable of deciding for himself if people are being racist. No, the Carter, the white protector, must articulate for Obama what Obama is thinking. How racist is that? Barack Obama is a brilliant man who is trying to pass health legislation right now. This country really does not need the "he said, she said" distraction until we pass health care. Only then should we look at where this country is pertaining to racism. Are there people in this country who are racist? Of course. Were some of the wacko teabaggers who protested in my city last Saturday carrying racist signs? Absolutely, I saw them. But that does not mean everything happening is just about race and believe me, PEOPLE OF ALL ETHNICITIES WILL HAVE A BETTER SHOT IN LIFE IF OBAMA PASSES A HEALTH PLAN WITH A PUBLIC OPTION.

[Kristin Gardner]

Jimmy Carter may be impolitic, but he is right. I say hurrah that someone is saying the truth. Come on. Why else would people who disagree with his policies think it's okay to show up at his speeches with guns and knives? They may as well be carrying a noose. When will we be able to have an adult conversation about race in this country? Politics be damned! Racism is still a huge part of U.S. society and affects us at every level. I'm truly surprised to find so many negative comments about this in the press.

[Steve Leon]

President Carter is 100% right, all those white politicians and their constituents can't stand the truth, that they aren't as intelligent as a black man, ergo not better than.
Thank God there are enough of us white Americans who appreciate every thing President Obama is doing in our behalf and for the country, God Bless Him and Damn his saboteurs.

[Henry Bowman]

Twelve months ago, dissent was the highest form of patriotism, because Bush "was Hitler."

Today, dissent is a lowest form of racism.

I smell desperation from the Left.

[John]

Ah Jimmy's back. The peanut farmer with a peanut brain. Evidently, Jimmy is thinking about as clearly now as he did when he was president. Jimmy has never been afraid to tell it like it ain't. He was the price our nation had to pay for Watergate. Wilson's comment accusing Obama of lying were obnoxious and unfounded. You can justly label Wilson an abrasive so and so...but there wasn't any connotation of racism. No Jimmy--do us all a favor and go back to building houses.

[jdareal21]

I agree with Jimmy Carter, I just think he wasn't completely clear in his statement. Nobody is saying that you can't disagree with the President, that's ludicrous, but what's equally as ludicrous, and even dangerous, is the position a lot of his detractors are taking. Having intelligent debates is one thing, comparing the Leader of our country to Hitler is, in my opinion, almost criminal.

It doesn't help that you have somebody like Rush Limbaugh, a person wtih credibility in race relations already suspect, spouting off about "Magic Negroes," while simultaneously witnessing people freely brandishing weapons in places the President's going to speak

[r peek]

THis is a president that was one of the worst in our history.I know we live in a world where racism is everywhere.( white agianst black ,black against white , against women)
But could it be that Obama just isn"t a good president? and he never should have been voted in?

[Arthur]

In my eyes, President Carter has tremendous credibility. He is telling the truth. When you look at Congressman Wilson's associations, and the things he has supported in the past, it is hard not to think that his objections, no matter how legitimate they may be, may be propelled by racism.

[steve rodriguez]

America is the least racist country in the world! !!!
How would they treat Black people in, Spain?, China?, Korea?, Argentina? even Mexico? for that matter!!!! Besides America voted a Black president into the White House, America can easily vote a Black man out of the White House!
Take that Jimmy Carter!!!

[Stephen]

The anti semite Carter calls racist and the liberals circle the wagons to support him. The only people who seem to think about race are racism are racist. I can honestly say I have not heard a anti black statement uttered for 20 years.

[TheBigPicture]

Gee you call someone a racist and it generates 120 comments. Being referred to as a Racist means absolutely nothing now days...It's been used and abused and overused it really means nothing. Now Jimmy Carter says that all anti Obama Administration people are racist, then he throws out his hard facts "I used to know people in Georgia and I know how they think." I've got an idea, let's support Obama with all of his nonsense so nobody accuses you as being the dreaded "R" word. Seriously though, you should express your ideas and not worry about some sad tired old senile peanut farmer labeling you. Wait until O is not re-elected...that's all you're going to hear...but then who cares...

[TheBigPicture]

Well, you know all of Bush's critics were racist, well because I just know, they were...

Jimmy has just removed himself from any type of competent opinion forum...good riddance...

[Jaap den Haan]

Racism is a completely overrated and rationalized issue since a long time, the term is completely inflated. It has been used again and again in many countries to cause controversy, because most people are ashamed of it. So whether something or somebody is racist depends solely on the degree of shame that is speculated upon. In such a way a kind of melting pot has been developed of cowardice and shame. However, I don't think that Jimmy Carter means it this bad. He has been underrated because he is too modest to exploit such popular frustrations. The latter can be said about Obama too.

[Jose Fernandez Ochoa]

Jimmy Carter you were the worst president ever. If you would of taken care of business with Iran back in 1979 and not let those terrorists hold our people hostage for 444 days. I most likely would not of had to serve in Iraq and Afghanistan. Iran would not be producing nuclear weapons.
Congressman Wilson said the President lied...what is racist about that.
Mr. Carter go to Florida and ride a golf cart and stay out of politics please. Enjoy your golden years....

[Jason]

I could not disagree more with Jimmy Carter. President Obama's personal approval rating is higher than the approval rating of his policies. His personal approval rating is higher than the approval rating of Nancy Pelosi or Harry Reid or all of Congress. Where's the racism? Republicans have always opposed cap and trade and universal health care. They have always opposed people like Al Gore, the Clintons, the Kennedys, and President Obama. Frankly, Carter's comments are insulting to President Obama and embarrassing to the country. The President is an accomplished speaker, writer, scholar, politician, and President of the United States. If all Jimmy Carter sees is a black man, that is very sad. But when he claims that is all many others see, it is pathetic. Sure, there are some opponets of President Obama who are racist, but clearly not a significant number.

[Karen]

When you disagree with someone's politics, you can call them an idiot, brainwashed, a tool, a Nazi, or a racist. But grown-ups don't resort to name-calling. They talk about ideas and policies. Jimmy Carter--please grow up. Same message to all who are name-calling their opponents on either side of the political debate. Are some people idiots? Sure. Are some people brainwashed? maybe. Are some Nazi's--not many. Are some people racists--a few. But name-calling still does nothing to advance your cause. Stop it!!!

[TopGun]

admit it, we all have racism, but some of us have learned to ignore our own racism and befriend our differences. Go President Carter and go President Obama!!!!!

[K.]

I don't think he said anything about EVERYONE being racist or if you don't agree with the president you are racist. What I see is him saying 'an overwhelming portion of the intensely demonstrated animosity towards the President is based on the fact that he is a black man'... when I read that I see.. 'A large part of those who hate and show that hate for our President do so because he's black'. I don't say, everyo e who disagrees with him does it because he's black but those with the signs with the comments with the threats.. hmm yeah, I can see it being racist.

[MrUniteUs]

I think racism is to narrow.
A better question is do Obama's critics promote hatred?
What do you think?

Oprah Winfrey entertained, and Colin Powell served this country for decades. Yet when the endorsed Barack Obama they were branded racist? Was is right to brand them racist?

Glen Beck says the President hates White people and he gets a pass. Jimmy Carter says some critics, not all, in fact he said a fringe, have a problem with Obama's skin color, and he is villified.

[Wilson 2010]

Hey James Earl Carter, my husband is an Arab-American, I am a white southerner, our child is from Asia, and we have Jewish in-laws. Add to that little resume, my husband and I served in the armed forces during the Persian Gulf War and the Iraq War. We just happen to be Republicans and we are not happy with the policies of this president and administration. Now, does that make us racists? No, but you already knew that. If you weren't such a hateful demonic race baiter yourself, there might be a little less animosity in the Middle East, and a lot less back biting and hatred here at home. I would think that after being drummed out of the White House for insufficient service to the nation, you would have humbled yourself somewhat.

[Mike Stevens]

I'm amazed Carter's idea is so controversial. To argue otherwise is simply delusional.

[Jorelle]

Not to disrespect anyone's opinion here, but I find it strange that some of you think racism is overrated? Or even nonexistent? Perhaps you feel this way because you aren't racist, which is great, but I don't think you'd share that same opinion if you were racially profiled yourself.

I'm of the mind that unless you are of ethnic descent, or a minority in some form or fashion, your unqualified to really talk about the existence of racism. It would be tantamount to me, a 26 year old Black man, telling a woman about pregnancy. It would be ridiculous for me to comment on an experience I could never hope to understand, so for me, it's really disheartening that so many of you think racism is a thing of the past. Unless it's something you have to confront in your everyday lives, I don't think you really can grasp exactly what takes place in society to individuals of color, even in 2009.

[Patti]

Dear President Carter:

First, thank you for all your service to our country, both as a politician and as a humanitarian.

I found your opinions in your interview to be thought-provoking, and they have given me quite a bit to consider. I think it was brave of you to speak out in such a public forum on such a explosive subject. Luckily, this is the U.S.A., where everyone has a right to their opinion and a right to express it, otherwise people could use this opportunity to make vicious personal attacks toward you simply because they didn't agree.

I find I'm now looking carefully at all the anti- President Obama emails and links I seem to constantly receive to determine if they're based in fact. I'm embarrassed to say I hadn't before, simply giving them a quick scan. It's quite illuminating, since most DON'T seem to be based on the facts but more on hysterical ranting against an unspecified government shadow group out to change our very way of life. Thank you for helping me to see the importance of examining these messages with less trust, and of doing my own research on the issues.

[Brixsy]

I am a little confused. People have made racial slurrs before so why do people want to act on it now? I believe some people just haven't adjusted to the fact that we do have an African American President now and there is nothing people can do to change the castings of the votes. He won fair and square. Now what some of Obama's critics are saying does emphasize that they propably are a little uneasy that they Mckain didn't win but that's there problem. Obama has done a very good job so far since we are thrillions of dollars in dept and that dosen't excuse critics to be racist. I am upset that his critics keep using the word "black" or "it's unbelievable that we have a black president" Well, it has happened and racists comments are not going to scare me into thinking he may mess up. Our congress really screwed up last year when they stated we were at war for oil. OIL!!! Are you serious? Americans are dying because of this stupidity? And President Bush was dumb enough not to end the war in the first place. We don't need blood spread on our hands for what both of them decided. Obama does not deserve to be bullied around by any critic. He just got into office! Besides, if America voted for Mckain, Regular people would have been suffering big time. If critics want to criticize someone, they should criticize themselves and take a look in the mirror.

[Brixsy]

I will only say this, everyone is for themselves, everyone is selfish, so anyone can tell a lie. The time government says everything will be okay will be the day the world ends. Don't believe everything you hear. I hope America has the common sense to send ignorant people off the air but after this, I believe America has the STUPIDEST governemnt yet. If you you agree, please raise your hands and say "We will not surrender to the media"

[Donavon Gardner]

It saddens me to see racisism being practiced so openly in the year 2009! I remember listening to a speech George Bush SR. gave back in the 80's addressing education. I remember watching it in school. But when Barrack addressed education during school hours the media reported that parents were outragged. Some parents reportedly threatend to sue the school board if they allowed his speech to be aired, and some parents even refused to send their children to school on that day! If you did or didnt vote for Obama a positive message about education should be accepted as such!

[AlexKenas]

It depends on the individual. If someone were to hang a noose on the gates of the White House, it is okay to say that it is racist. However, where is the racism when someone says that Obama is egotistic, arrogant, inexperienced, et cetera? The race card is an ad hominem fallacy that is used by throwbacks like Jeremiah Wright, Henry Louis Gates Jr., and Jimmy Carter to get their ways without making much of an effort. Doctor King would have said that the election of a black president due to his skin color means that we have not moved on as a nation. The election of any president due to his or her ideologies or politicial viewpoints would mean that he have moved on as a nation. It is time to put the race card in reserve only when it is neccessary.

[AJ]

Carter lived and grew up white in the deep south during jim crow laws. He is not at all in touch with America in 2010